Cross Country Chase 2026 Tips - Follow last year's Cheltenham Festival form
The upcoming 2026 Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham is set to be thrilling, with renowned horse Stumptown favored to win following past successes and an impressive season. Stumptown, trained by Gavin Cromwell, aims to secure back-to-back victories, as the horse has shown prowess in its previous outings. Vanillier presents an excellent each-way betting option after demonstrating form improvement. With 23 runners expected to compete, the event promises excitement and high stakes, with a £39,023 first prize up for grabs.
- Predictions and best bets for the 2026 Cross Country Chase
- This handicap takes place on day two of the Cheltenham Festival on March 11th
- Vanillier (7/1) features in our selections
The new lead-up race for the Champion Chase is the Cross Country Chase - a handicap run on the weird and wonderful Cross Country circuit, which meanders around Prestbury Park.
We've analysed the field set to take part in this year's race to bring you our Cross Country Chase tips for 2026, including our best bets and race verdict.
Last Updated: 04.03.2026
Race Info
| Race | Cross Country Chase |
| Date | Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 |
| Start Time | 3:20pm |
| Status | Limited Handicap |
| Distance | 3m5f56y |
| First Prize | £39,023 |
| Going | NA |
| Runners | 23 |
| Favourite | Stumptown (5/2) |
Stumptown ran out a hugely impressive winner of this race 12 months ago, winning easily off a mark of 157. Gavin Cromwell's star was pulled up in the Grand National, but scored on his only start of this season in a valuable Cross Country handicap in the Czech Republic.
Keith Donoghue's mount is rated only five pounds higher than last year, and will carry the same weight of 11-10. Stumptown is, again, the one to beat at the Cheltenham Festival.
Favori De Champdou won around Cheltenham in January, and holds a strong chance again. However, the horse that Gordon Elliott's star beat into second, J'Arrive De L'Est is unlikely to get into this race with his rating of 126, and the rest of the field that Favori De Champdou beat was poor enough.
2026 Cross Country Chase Tips
| Bet Type | Name | Odds (4.3.26) |
|---|---|---|
| Each-Way Bet | Vanillier | 7/1 |
| Hard To Oppose | Stumptown | 5/2 |
There isn't much depth to this year's Cross Country - not that there ever is in these novelty handicaps. Stumptown looks to have every chance of claiming back-to-back wins, and Gavin Cromwell's charge will probably feature in my selections if he remains a 5/2, 3/1 chance.
From an each-way standpoint, it's hard to see VANILLIER (7/1) finishing outside of the first three.
Having led the field over the first three flights last year, Sean Flanagan almost took a wrong turn after jumping the Aintree fence, which caused Vanillier to drop back to last. Gavin Cromwell's grey worked his way back into a midfield position, and eventually did well to cross the line third, eight lengths adrift of his stablemate.
Vanillier warmed up for his return to Cheltenham with a win over the banks at Punchestown, where he held off The Goffer, Conflated and Fakir D'Oudairies from the front. Cromwell's former Albert Bartlett winner will carry half a stone less on his back than 12 months ago, and the gap between himself and Stumptown in the weights has widened by eight pounds.
Sean Flanagan was more to blame for Vanillier's wayward performance last year than the horse himself. He will be eager to make amends, and Gavin Cromwell's grey is even more well-handicapped this time around.
Live Stream
Visit our Cheltenham Festival Live Stream page if you want to watch any race during the week via a mobile or tablet.
Cross Country Chase 2026 FAQs
When is the Cross Country Chase 2026?
The Cross Country Chase will take place on day two of the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday 11th March, 2026.
What time does the Cross Country Chase go off?
The Cross Country Chase is scheduled to start at 3:20pm on March 11th.
Where can I watch the 2026 Cross Country Chase?
The Cross Country Chase will be shown live on ITV Racing. You can also stream the race live on a mobile device. Head to our website for more information.
Verdict
Vanillier was the hard-luck story in last year's Cross Country, and returns to Cheltenham with a healthy pull at the weights with favourite Stumptown.
Gavin Cromwell's grey looks a solid each-way bet at 7/1. I'd also be tempted by a reverse forecast between Vanillier and Stumptown, but I'll save that for the day of the race.
Gavin Cromwell's grey looks a solid each-way bet at 7/1. I'd also be tempted by a reverse forecast between Vanillier and Stumptown, but I'll save that for the day of the race.
Vanillier E/W
2026 Cross Country Chase
@7/1 - 5 Units
Bet £10 Get £10
with promo code NEWBONUS
Join betgoodwin with promo code NEWBONUS and get access to their Bet £10 Get £10 as a free ACCA welcome offer. 18+ only. T&Cs apply.
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
04 July 2026
- ITV Racing at Sandown and Newmarket -
- Horse Racing
- Durban July 2026 Final Guide -
- Horse Racing
- 2026 Durban July Tips -
- Horse Racing
- Durban July 2026 -
- Horse Racing
- Durban July 2026 Top Offers -
- Horse Racing
- 2026 Durban July Final Field -
- Horse Racing
- 2026 Durban July Full Draw -
- Horse Racing
- 2026 Coral-Eclipse Stakes -
- Horse Racing
11 July 2026
- 2026 John Smith's Cup -
- Horse Racing
16 March 2027
- 2027 Champion Hurdle -
- Horse Racing
Load More
